Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins are reportedly poised to secure the signature of gun Eels back rower Ryan Matterson.
Matterson, who will make his Origin debut next Wednesday, is out of contract at the end of the 2022 season and has been one of the Dolphins’ main goals.
The Dolphins have already signed a number of key attackers but plan to land Matterson, according to WWOS†
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If Matterson were to join Wayne Bennett’s team at the Dolphins, it would spell disaster for Parramatta, who loses Isaiah Papali’i to the Tigers, Marata Niukore to the Warriors, Ray Stone to the Dolphins and Reed Mahoney to the Bulldogs.
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The Dolphins have been slow building their roster ahead of their debut season, but Matterson’s signature would be a major coup.
So far the dolphins have managed to capture Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich (Storm), Ray Stone (Eels), Valynce Te Whare (rugby union), Jamayne Isaako (Broncos), Euan Aitken (Warriors), Tom Gilbert (Cowboys). get hold of. ), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Edrick Lee (Knights), Connelly Lemuelu (Cowboys) and Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs).
Matterson has played 130 games in stints with the Roosters, Tigers and Eels since making his NRL debut in 2016.
INNOVATE RAIDERS ELLIOTT REPLACEMENT
The Raiders have reportedly set their sights on Bulldogs enforcer Jack Hetherington to replace outgoing striker Adam Elliott.
Elliott recently informed his teammates about the decision to join the Knights next season (see below for more information).
News Corp journalist Michael Carayannis told SEN that the Raiders have met with Hetherington, who is also being chased by the Knights.
“Newcastle signed Adam Elliott and they met a few weeks ago with Jack Hetherington, the Canterbury forward who has no contract,” said Carayannis.
“I think you’ll find that the Raiders will now dip their toes into the Jack Hetherington discussion to increase their front pack size.
“That could be the result of signing Adam Elliott Newcastle, they could be missing Jack Hetherington.
“They want to have both, they have one and they’re still looking at the other.”
Hetherington has a reciprocal option in his contract for next season but it seems unlikely the Bulldogs will come to an end as Hetherington has been reported to has been cleared to explore his options for next season.
ELLIOTT’S KNIGHTS SWITCH
Canberra forward Adam Elliott has reportedly informed his teammates of his decision to join the Knights from next season.
According to The Daily Telegraphthe former Bulldog will join Adam O’Brien’s side for the 2023 season after getting a career line from Ricky Stuart.
Stuart and the Raiders gave Elliott a chance to revive his NRL career, giving him a shot at a bargain contract after multiple off-field incidents, the most recent involving his current girlfriend NRLW star Millie Boyle .
Prior to his release from the Bulldogs, the back rower reportedly had two years left on a $500,000-a-year contract.
Elliott’s off-field baggage cost him financially, with the Raiders reportedly paying him about $200,000 for the 2022 season.
Elliott will join the Knights as a suitable replacement for Mitch Barnett, who signed a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.
The 27-year-old will reportedly make the switch to the Hunter along with partner Millie Boyle, after the NRLW star won the Dally M for the 2021 season.
The Knights have yet to confirm Elliott’s signing.
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